Henrik Lundqvist made public his decision to retire last Friday after a noteworthy career spanning 15 seasons with the New York Rangers, a move that came less than nine months after his heart surgery.
The 39-year-old former goaltender from Sweden is widely regarded as one of the top players in NHL history, concluding his impressive career ranked seventh in total saves (23,509) and sixth in games won (459). Over the course of his professional tenure, he dedicated close to 52,000 hours on the ice.
“It’s time,” was his message on social media. “For the past 30 years, I’ve poured my heart and soul into the game of hockey….and now it’s time to step back from the sport I hold dear and embark on a new journey…”
“From the exhilaration of my first practice at 8 years old to the 15 years of nervous anticipation before hitting the ice in the greatest city in the world. I’m profoundly thankful for the opportunities and wisdom that hockey has bestowed upon me. These invaluable life lessons will always stay with me.”
Lundqvist underwent heart surgery in January 2021, preventing him from playing for the Washington Capitals who had signed him following the buyout of his contract by the Rangers in September 2020.
The Rangers have announced their intention to retire his number 30 jersey in a ceremony scheduled for this season.
